Monday, February 27, 2017

Had a thought & felt the need 2 bring up the old with the new. As a youngster, the enthusiasm for the Jackson 5 with it's music & style made them one of my favorites. (looking back I find it a bit unusual how much of a fan I actually was.)Originally from smalltown Gary, Indiana, they had an amazing brand & made themselves something much bigger than just a local act.Living only 30 minutes from Gary, I can recall driving through just 2 see the old house they once lived in.

Big Boy, released on Steeltown Records was a pretty decent indication what was to come. Yep, I always hoped the local radio stations would play it due 2 it being such a rare find. Play/Record button locked & loaded.

After the Jackson 5 were recommended to Gordy by another Motown act - Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers - they were signed to the label in 1969 and left the midwest for the glitz of Hollywood to be pampered and polished as a coming major act.

By January of 1970 their debut Motwon single I want You Back (which had originally been intented for Gladys Knight) & became number one on the charts & sold over a million copies.

The follow-up ABC did likewise, achieving the distinction of toppling The Beatles' Let It Be from the Billboard top spot. The list of their other hits is enormous and includes The Love You Save, I'll Be There, Mama's pearl & Never Can Say Goodbye

I mean, before there was a New Edition, Jodeci, 112, Boyz 2 Men, Backstreets Boys, N'Sync, LFO, 98 Degrees, West Life, H-Town, B2K.....(you get the point.)....

there was the J5!!

...They even had the nerve 2 have a cartoon series which I personally watched on a regular.....Ok, enough of the ranting' . Either case, here's my tribute 2 the most influential group in regards 2 music in my lifetime....ok, one of em'....lol

Saturday, February 4, 2017

In this dire time where human rights are jeopardized & lives seem not 2 matter, I find it appropriate 2 reintroduce a period where people actually fought for what they believed in. The Black Panther Party's bold approach to gun rights & police brutality has absolute relevance 50 years later! Have things actually chanced since then? Depends on who you ask.

1966

- Black Panther Party was founded by Huey P.Newton and Bobby Seale on October 15,1966

1967

- The first BPP office was open at 5624 Grove Street, Oakland, CA in January

-Denzil Dowell is shot and killed by sheriff's deputies on April 1. Black Panthers respond in protecting the Dowell family.

-First newspaper is published on April 25 with headlines "Why was Dennzil Dowell Killed?"

- 30 armed Black Panther Activist go to California State Capitol, on May 2 to protest the Mulford Act which was a bill banning the display of loaded weapons.